The most poignant moment of last week’s Jazz at Five outdoor
jazz concert was in between sets. After one of the three bands had finished and
while the next was setting up, there were a mother and daughter standing off to
the side, observing. The daughter was very young and resembled the youngest of
Donna Reed’s children in It’s a Wonderful Life. The mother resembled Donna
Reed. Watching the next act take the
stage, the daughter asked:

“Mommy? Where is Jazzcat?”

“Well, darling, Jazzcat couldn’t be here today.”

“But, mommy…where is he? Or she?”

“Well, sweetheart, Jazzcat had to go away. She or he was
needed elsewhere.”

“Else…where?”

“Yes. Jazzcat was needed at a…farm. Jazzcat is at a farm
now! A Jazzkitten farm! And he or she is teaching all the little kittens all
about jazz and how to talk jazz talk and they’re oh so happy!”

“Really, mommy, really?”

“Oh yes, my dear! And the farm is full of birds and
squirrels and cans of tuna and noisy electric can-openers and everything that
kittens adore! And Jazzcat is there, teaching them all about jazz!”

“Oh mommy, that sounds wonderful! Can we go to Jazzkitten
farm?”

“Not today, dear. But right now we can listen to jazz played
by human musicians.”

“Okay, mommy. It’s a start.”

And such a start it was, Gentle Reader! The first Jazz at
Five concert of the 2016 series featured stirring performances by Milwaukee’s
Skai Academy, Major Vistas, and Ladies Must Swing. Each ensemble brought something
unique. Skai Academy: youth, enthusiasm, David Bowie songs. Major Vistas:
original music by Bucheit and Weiser. Ladies Must Swing: big band repertory
with something for everyone. The event ran smoothly and on schedule. The sound
people were professional and courteous. The crowd was abundant and
enthusiastic.

Major Vistas were happy to participate. And maybe, for a
little while, that little girl missed Jazzcat a little less. Fare thee well,
Jazzcat, wherever you are!
-Urban Van Hoof